Best states for retirement

Think you know which states are best for retirees? Think again. Financial site Bankrate.com has ranked the best states for retirement, looking at cost of living, crime rates, tax rates, access to medical care and average annual temperatures. Here are the 10 best:

10. Virginia

One of the warmest spots on the list, Virginia has one of the lowest crime rates in the country. For seniors looking for a coastal lifestyle, Norfolk is home to miles of beaches and sailing and kayaking in the Chesapeake Bay. The city is also home to an art museum, theater company and opera house.

9. Iowa

Another cold state to make Bankrate's list, Iowa boasts low crime and living costs and high-quality healthcare. In the college town of Iowa City, retirees can take up a class at the University of Iowa or enjoy free concerts and outdoor movie nights in the summer.

10. Iowa (9 in 2012)

8. Idaho

Idaho not only has the lowest crime rate in the country, but it's also one of the most affordable states. Residents do pay higher taxes here than in other mountain states, though the tax burden remains below the national average. In Boise, retirees can find access to arts and outdoor activities, and a massive new cultural center is set to open there next year.

7. Montana

Retirees have plenty of room to roam in Montana. Even though it's one of the largest states in the nation, the state has one of the smallest populations. The cost of living isn't as low here as it is in some of the other mountain states, but Montana's lack of a sales tax helps to offset some of the extra cost. The resort area of Kalispell has the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, as well as a regional medical center that ranks as one of the country's top hospitals.

6. Nebraska

It's not just about wide open spaces. Nebraska is one of the most affordable states in the country, has relatively low crime and residents enjoy a high level of general well-being.

5. Wyoming

For a tax-conscious retiree, there is no state better than Wyoming, Bankrate found. The "Cowboy State" also has low crime and moderate living costs, although the quality of its healthcare is far below that of the top 10 states, according to government statistics.

4.North Dakota

Residents here have to deal with some of the coldest weather in the country. But North Dakota has its advantages: extremely low crime and even better healthcare. Plus, its residents report the highest level of general well-being in the country.

3. Utah

Utah offers up plenty of options for both nature lovers and city dwellers. And, for retirees, its low cost of living and high quality healthcare make it even more attractive, Bankrate said. Salt Lake City offers a bustling downtown, with arts and cultural events and a light rail that makes getting around town easy. It's also just a half hour drive away from hiking, skiing and other outdoor activities.

2. Colorado

Not only does Colorado offer much milder winters, but its residents also benefit from high quality healthcare and a lower-than-average tax burden. Plus, its residents are among the most content in the country, according to an annual survey by Gallup of general well-being. One downside: The cost of living is higher than in 28 other states.

1. South Dakota

Yes, the temperatures dip below freezing (a lot), but South Dakota boasts low crime, quality healthcare and no state income tax. And beyond the Badlands and Black Hills, there is plenty to do.

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